Let’s face it—protecting personal data is no small task, especially if you’re a large organization like Sarajevo International Airport. With a mix of international and local travelers passing through, the airport handles a mountain of personal data daily. This data needs to be protected according to both the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Bosnia’s Zakon o zaštiti ličnih podataka (Law on Data Protection).
When the airport decided to aim for the ISO/IEC 27701:2019 certification, which is the gold standard for privacy information management, they knew they needed expert guidance. That’s where we, at Consalta, stepped in to help.
Why Does ISO/IEC 27701 Matter?
First, what’s all the fuss about this ISO/IEC 27701 standard? Simply put, it provides a clear and structured approach for managing personal data privacy. This is crucial because it helps organizations like Sarajevo International Airport comply with strict laws like GDPR and the local data protection regulations.
Why should this matter to your business? Because data privacy isn’t just about avoiding fines; it’s about building trust with your customers and partners. By meeting this standard, Sarajevo International Airport set itself apart as a leader in data protection, making everyone feel safer about sharing their personal data.
The Unique Challenges Faced by an International Airport
Sarajevo International Airport isn’t your average organization. It has complex operations where it sometimes acts as a controller (making decisions about personal data) and other times as a processor (handling data on behalf of others).
Add to that the fact that the airport had to juggle two sets of rules:
- GDPR, which covers data from EU citizens.
- Zakon o zaštiti ličnih podataka, which applies to local personal data.
Balancing these regulations while managing many data sets was no easy task.
How We Tackled These Challenges
We knew this project was going to be tough, but our approach made all the difference:
1. Understanding the Landscape
We started by mapping out the airport’s processes and understanding which ones fell under GDPR and which under the local law. This was crucial because different rules applied depending on the data being handled.
2. Comprehensive Assessment
Next, we conducted a detailed review of how personal data was being managed. We identified gaps and areas that needed improvement, focusing on ensuring compliance with both regulations.
3. Tailored Solutions
Knowing that a one-size-fits-all approach wouldn’t work, we created a customized plan for the airport. This included:
- Simplifying complex processes so staff could understand and follow them easily.
- Implementing clear guidelines for when the airport acts as a controller and when it acts as a processor.
- Training key teams on best practices for data privacy and security.
4. Hands-On Support
We didn’t just advise from the sidelines. Our team worked side by side with the airport staff, providing hands-on support and training to make sure everyone was on board.
5. Pre-Audit Prep
Before the official audit, we ran internal checks to make sure everything was in place. This proactive approach ensured a smooth audit experience.
The Result
The hard work paid off. Sarajevo International Airport successfully completed the audit and received a recommendation for the ISO/IEC 27701:2019 certification. This achievement sets a new benchmark for data privacy in the region and showcases the airport’s dedication to protecting personal data.
Conclusion
Data privacy doesn’t have to be overwhelming, even for complex organizations like Sarajevo International Airport. With the right approach and expertise, it’s possible to meet the highest standards of compliance and security. At Consalta, we’re passionate about helping businesses achieve this and build trust through strong data protection practices.
Curious about how your organization can strengthen its data privacy? Book a free 30-minute consultation with our experts today, and let’s talk about your needs!